§ 33. Sir B. FALLEasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether every married officer in this country is entitled to, or at least allowed, one soldier servant; if he can give the number of such soldiers so employed; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of finding better employment for such men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo difference is made in the allowance of servants, whether an officer is married or single. A mounted officer is allowed one servant, who also acts as groom; dismounted officers are allowed one servant between five officers, except where there are less than ten officers together, when one servant is allowed between three officers. Certain 338 exceptions are made in the case of disabled officers. I am afraid I cannot state the number of soldiers so employed, and it would necessitate a large amount of clerical labour to obtain the figures. The number varies with the number of officers serving at home, and any return would be obsolete before it could be finally compiled. A system of special inspection ensures that the scale of soldier servants authorised is not exceeded.